Bits and Bytes: ORMMA unveils ad specs; ALU introduces alert solution; and more

The Open Rich Media Mobile Advertising (ORMMA) initiative unveiled its rich media advertising specifications and open source code for publishers who want to serve rich media campaigns across all mobile platforms and devices, said the group. The ORMMA initiative was founded by The Weather Channel, Crisp and TringApps and has been adopted by PointRoll, JumpTap and others.
Alcatel-Lucent introduced its Broadcast Message Center solution, which allows service providers to send targeted government agency text alerts to mobile users based on their location. The company said the solution is ideal to notifiy citizens of incidents such as terrorist attacks, natural disasters, inclement weather and traffic accidents.
The BlackBerry Partners Fund announced the winners of its Developer Challenge, which offered more than $1.5 million in prizes. Multiplied Media Corp. won the North American award for its Poynt product that allows users to find businesses, retailers, restaurants, movies, gas prices and weather information using GPS or cell-site location. The Latin American winner was Vlingo Corp. for its Voice App product, which allows users to speak into their BlackBerry to send text or e-mail messages, search the Web, make calls or interact with applications. Ubiest won the EMEA award for its mobile mapping solution. And Love Indonesia took home the Asia Pacific prize for its location-based lifestyle portal.
Picochip announced it has expanded its worldwide operations to include new headquarters and an engineering center in Bath, U.K., and a new advanced test laboratory in Cambridge, U.K. The company said it also plans to double the size of its development center in Beijing.
Clickatell said Sterling Bank in Nigeria has launched its CardGuard fraud protection service using Clickatell’s messaging platform. The agreement allows Sterling Bank customers to use their mobile device to freeze their account if they notice fraudulent behavior.
Altair Semiconductor said it has been chosen by Mobyland to power a commercial-grade deployment on an 1800 MHz LTE network in Poland. The solution is an LTE-USB modem based on Altair’s FourGee 3100/6200 technology manufactured by IPWireless.
Synchronica said it signed its 60th mobile operator following its acquisition of iseemedia and its framework agreement with a pan-African operator group.
Tekelec launched its enhanced network performance management system, the Performance Intelligence Center Release 7.0. The solution allows carriers to improve surveillance, troubleshooting and reporting in 3G and LTE networks. Release 7.0 incorporates the company’s Intelligent Data Management approach to monitor growing volumes of mobile data traffic.
Perfecto Mobile, which provides automated testing and monitoring of mobile applications, said its Nokia Handset Cloud is powering Forum Nokia’s Remote Device Access service. The company’s service allows developers to pre-certify their applications for the Nokia Ovi store, including validating mobile applications on real Nokia devices and through the Nokia device browser.
Juniper Networks introduced its next-generation core routing platform, the T4000 Core Router. The company also demonstrated a 100G core-to-edge network powered by the T4000 and the MX3D Series Universal Edge router.
Telcordia extended its Generic Requirements program to wireless network infrastructure, starting with requirements for wireless outside plant elements, said the company. The requirements are written in collaboration with carriers and vendors and provide generic criteria for telecom equipment and systems, including elements such as interoperability, network integrity and requirements from carriers and vendors.